In spite of the Green Bay Packers being 11-3, many have questioned the abilities of Aaron Rodgers at this point in his career. This week, Rodgers will silence the critics against Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings.
With Rodgers being in his 15th season, he understands more than most that this is the time of year to get into a groove as a team. The game between the Packers and Vikings in Week 16 could decide who takes home the NFC North crown.
Through the first 15 weeks, Rodgers has completed 63.3 percent of his passes for 3,463 yards. The veteran signal-caller has also totaled 24 passing touchdowns and only two interceptions.
Yes, Rodgers is no longer the All-Pro, gunslinging quarterback he once was. At the same time, he is capable of delivering a performance that makes you realize just how great he's been throughout his career.
Since Mike Zimmer became the head coach in Minnesota in 2014, he's done the best he can to contain Rodgers. However, in the nine games they've faced one another, Rodgers has recorded 17 touchdowns and two interceptions.
Above all, Green Bay has gone 5-3-1 in those nine contests against the Vikings. Provided that, this will be the worst secondary that Zimmer has coached since he arrived in Minnesota five years ago.
Before this year, the worst pass defense that the Vikings had under Zimmer was ranked 12th in the NFL. Currently, the Vikings have the 19th ranked pass defense, giving up 239.9 passing yards per game.
The Packers has had inconsistent play at the wide receiver position outside of Davante Adams. But this is the perfect week for Rodgers to get on the same page as the young pass-catchers in the offense.
Earlier in the season, Green Bay was able to defeat the Vikings 21-16 in Week 2. In that game, Rodgers supplied 209 yards, two touchdowns, and zero turnovers.
Without a doubt, Rodgers is hearing the noise from fans and the media that are scrutinizing his play. The older version of Rodgers would likely send subtle shots in his press conferences to the media to defend himself.
But as his career is on the downswing, Rodgers now realizes what is expected of him and how he has to perform in big games. The game on Sunday will be the most crucial game that the Packers have taken part in this season.
Over his illustrious career in Green Bay, Aaron Rodgers is known to deliver in the biggest moments. There's no reason to believe he doesn't continue that trend in Week 16 versus Cousins and the Vikings.
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